My Vintage Mb Collection

[Tom Kellie]

~ siamackz:

 

More wonders from your collection.

Thank you for the explanations. I learned a lot.

The images are so helpful.

This thread is a joy!

Tom K.

[Ghost Plane]

Love the angle on that oblique

[siamackz]

Excellent stuff, siamackz. Thanks.

 

I'm particularly fond of the 334½. I have a steel nib version and it has replaced many MB's from my daily carry - indeed it has become my most used pen. I have it beside me, now, always ready to write!

 

Great thread. Great collection. Thanks again.

Yes, the 3341/2 seem like reliable daily carry pens. The steel nibs are excellent. I have see. A few of these 41/2 steel nibs and they are always in good condition I like the 134 or 136 steel nibs I have seen that often have pitting and corrosion. I wonder why? it should be the other way around.

[siamackz]

I've come to appreciate the ivory stars over the crisper white stars of current pens.

 

And that Meisterstuck script writing on the 244 Tiger's Eye cap is simply beautiful!

I agree with you on the Ivory stars - they are so beautiful. And yes the Meisterstuck written on the cap lip of the 644 is so classy - thats why I had to show it off in the pic collage. I hope to add a grey stripe 64x at some point - fingers crossed!

[siamackz]

~ siamackz:

 

 

More wonders from your collection.

Thank you for the explanations. I learned a lot.

The images are so helpful.

This thread is a joy!

Tom K.

Thanks for the constant encouragement, Tom!

[siamackz]

Love the angle on that oblique

I have noted that the obliques from the 50s, especially OM and broader, are angled in a distinct way that is not common in todays obliques. They are cut in a few angles from the top and bottom and deliver a very crisp line while not being too fussy like a cursive italic is. They are really special to write with, but these nibs are tough to tune - especially the flexible ones. They are a bit tricky. I dont want to use the micromesh because I dont want to mess with the angled cuts on the tip, and so its harder than usual to tune these nibs to perfection. But they are glorious writers!!

[Tom Kellie]

I have noted that the obliques from the 50s, especially OM and broader, are angled in a distinct way that is not common in todays obliques. They are cut in a few angles from the top and bottom and deliver a very crisp line while not being too fussy like a cursive italic is. They are really special to write with, but these nibs are tough to tune - especially the flexible ones. They are a bit tricky. I dont want to use the micromesh because I dont want to mess with the angled cuts on the tip, and so its harder than usual to tune these nibs to perfection. But they are glorious writers!!

 

~ siamackz:

 

What you've eloquently expressed above is exactly what I've experienced during the past week.

The OBB nib on the 1953 Montblanc 144 which arrived on Christmas Day is indeed cut as you've described and does deliver a crisp line.

Very fortunately, the 144 OBB requires no tuning, as it has been unused for 65 years, retaining its fresh-from-the-factory quality.

As you've said, it's a glorious writer!

Tom K.

[siamackz]

 

~ siamackz:

 

 

What you've eloquently expressed above is exactly what I've experienced during the past week.

The OBB nib on the 1953 Montblanc 144 which arrived on Christmas Day is indeed cut as you've described and does deliver a crisp line.

Very fortunately, the 144 OBB requires no tuning, as it has been unused for 65 years, retaining its fresh-from-the-factory quality.

As you've said, it's a glorious writer!

Tom K.

Im so glad your 144 writes perfect, you deserve it friend!

[Bisquitlips]

So sweet!!!

[AlohaLani787]

 

 

Very fortunately, the 144 OBB requires no tuning, as it has been unused for 65 years, retaining its fresh-from-the-factory quality.

As you've said, it's a glorious writer!

Tom K.

That acquisition is akin to a Powerball lottery win! How utterly amazing to find a NOS pen of that age!!!!! It couldn't be in better hands.

[siamackz]

PART 6

 

OK, now lets look at some pens from the 1950-70s that were made using injection moulding technology:

Left to right - 342D, 264, 622G Junior, 34

 

Lets begin with the 264, and the 342D that started it all for me! These pens are quite elegant, and yet modest at the same time. They are a dramatic departure from the aesthetics and materials used by MB until then. The pens are well built - weathering the test of time nicely due to the resin body and also the plastic/silicone piston seal. They are consistent performers once tuned to your liking.

 

The 342D is the pen that threw me down the vintage collecting rabbit hole! It is the cheapest pen in the lowest series of the time - very humble. It was issued in several colours like burgundy, petrol blue, grey, green, and black. Mine is black and has the blue cap crown which signifies that it was made for use with carbon paper. The D in its model number and on its nib signify the same thing ie the nib is a hard nail for the purpose of using pressure to write through many layers of carbon paper. Rigid nibs are often looked down upon with all the attention being given to flexi nibs. However, my experience with this D nib and also rigid nibs on my vintage Sheaffer pens is that they hold really well in terms of alignment and condition over time. Also, once you tune them they dont de-tune with use. Flexi nibs on the other hand are harder to tune and seldom come well tuned to begin with. They also de-tune more easily with use. So, while I think there is a special place for flexi nibs, I also think there is an important place for rigid nibs in my collection. This pen was probably made between 1957-58. Pics below:

 

The 264 here is a piston filler, and its cap and body shape resemble the 25x and 34x series of the mid 1950s that were now made using injection moulded plastics. My pen dates to 1954-56, and has a wet and moderately flexible nib. The 264 is a screw cap unlike the 25x. It is a nice mid sized pen. The nib on this one has medium flex and allows for some expressive writing. In my opinion, it is a rather classy design.

To this little collection, I would like to add a 256. I have purchased two in the past but both had hairline cracks on the cap (which the 25x series is notorious for) and so I returned them. I hope to find one for my collection in the future

 

Now, let us explore a few pens from the 1960s-70s that were distinct from the older MB designs. Notice the slender and long profile of the pens, with the tapering flat tops and bottoms.

 

The mid sized 34 is from the 1960s with an intarsia nib. It is similar in design to the 72 and the 1x and 2x series. I really like the size of this pen - its not too fat or thin, not too long or short. Just right! My pen has a double broad stubbish nib that lays down a really wet line! This series is made of resin and the pens are piston fillers.

 

This Junior 622G from 1970s was made for the student market. It has a robust steel cap and 14k butterfly nib that is slightly hooded. I must say that it is a fantastic writer, and a long pen. The ink window with its diamond design is quite pretty!

[Tom Kellie]

~ siamackz:

 

Thank you for the images and text in Part 6.

Your deep-seated love for fountain pens comes through in what you've written.

It's a model post for anyone contemplating how to best present their Montblanc collection.

Your writing blends passion and insight — wonderful to read!

Tom K.

[fountainbel]

What an astonishing collection Sia, congratulations !

Your comments clearly reveal the profound knowledge you gained in such a short time, impressive!

The enthusiasm and love you show for these beautiful pens really is infectious.

I'll going directly take my with MB pens and enjoy them once again !

Enjoy your pens in good health for many years to come.

Francis

[siamackz]

~ siamackz:

 

 

Thank you for the images and text in Part 6.

Your deep-seated love for fountain pens comes through in what you've written.

It's a model post for anyone contemplating how to best present their Montblanc collection.

Your writing blends passion and insight wonderful to read!

Tom K.

As always, your comments are too kind and encouraging. Thank you, Tom!

[siamackz]

What an astonishing collection Sia, congratulations !

Your comments clearly reveal the profound knowledge you gained in such a short time, impressive!

The enthusiasm and love you show for these beautiful pens really is infectious.

I'll going directly take my with MB pens and enjoy them once again !

Enjoy your pens in good health for many years to come.

Francis

Thank you, Francis, and this is very encouraging coming from an expert like yourself!

[AlohaLani787]

The 342D is the pen that threw me down the vintage collecting rabbit hole! It is the cheapest pen in the lowest series of the time - very humble. It was issued in several colours like burgundy, petrol blue, grey, green, and black. Mine is black and has the blue cap crown which signifies that it was made for use with carbon paper. The D in its model number and on its nib signify the same thing ie the nib is a hard nail for the purpose of using pressure to write through many layers of carbon paper. Rigid nibs are often looked down upon with all the attention being given to flexi nibs. However, my experience with this D nib and also rigid nibs on my vintage Sheaffer pens is that they hold really well in terms of alignment and condition over time. Also, once you tune them they dont de-tune with use. Flexi nibs on the other hand are harder to tune and seldom come well tuned to begin with. They also de-tune more easily with use. So, while I think there is a special place for flexi nibs, I also think there is an important place for rigid nibs in my collection. This pen was probably made between 1957-58.

 

 

This information is fascinating. Do you know the intended purpose the other cap colors represent?

 

I agree with you about rigid nibs. I'm discovering amongst my soft nibbed pens that the finer the nib the more finicky the pen.

[siamackz]

This information is fascinating. Do you know the intended purpose the other cap colors represent?

 

I agree with you about rigid nibs. I'm discovering amongst my soft nibbed pens that the finer the nib the more finicky the pen.

I do not know of any other cap top colours. The only other cap top is black - the usual. There are different coloured 342 pens but the whole pen is grey, burgundy, etc and not just the cap top. This is the best of my knowledge

[siamackz]

PART 7 - Safeties

 

It has been such a pleasure to share my collection with you. The encouraging and thought provoking comments that I have received have enriched this experience greatly. Thank you!

 

Before I share the last subsection of my collection - safeties - I would like to share quick links of the previous posts in case any new visitors would like to take a look at other parts of my collection:

Introduction - https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/

Part 1, The 13x Series - https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-2

Part 2A, 14x Celluloids - Bottom of the page https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-2

Part 2B, 14x Celluloid v/s 14x Modern - https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-3

Part 3, Spanish and Danish Designs - Bottom of page https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-3

Part 4, 3xx Series and Stylographs - https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-4

Part 5, 644G, 244 Tiger eye, 72 - Bottom of page https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-4

Part 6, 342D, 264, 622G, 34 - https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/342014-my-vintage-mb-collection/page-5

 

OK, now moving to the bottom shelf of my display we have two safeties here - separated by 100 years:

 

Left - Here is the famous ‘rouge et noir’ from c. 1914. Its name was an attempt to brand the pen as an aspirational product inspired by French culture. But, post WWI Germany was not too happy with France and so the name had to be changed - it was now marketed in Germany as “rotkappchen” or Little Red Riding Hood. This is why some models took on a red coloured star instead of the typical white star. The ‘rouge et noir’ name did continue to sell in Italy during that time, and so I think my pen is an Italy production. This is a small pen, with a small “1” nib that has the “simplo” imprint on it since it was before the brand name became Montblanc. The nib lays a wet fine line and has some flex. Look at that pretty heart-shaped vent hole on the nib! This particular pen had its cap shortened by a restorer in the past (maybe it had a lip crack). So, I had it lengthened by a professional restorer. Of course, the imprint is not complete - unfortunately. Pics below:

 

Right - The Heritage 1912 is a modern pen that pays homage to the safety fillers from 100 years ago. It is not technically a safety filler, but rather a piston filler. The nib is small, with rhodium plating on gold. It is a soft nib, especially when compared to modern nibs. The small triangle vent hole on the nib is rather unique. The pen is heavy, but not long. I believe the body is made of brass and has black colour glossy lacquer on it. Quite beautiful! The cap top star is distinct with some kind of painted mother-of-pearl finish (it does not look like actual MoP). My pen has what I consider the perfect nib type of my handwriting - an OM nib. I bought it new, as a Doctoral Degree graduation gift to myself. When i received it, the pen refused to write. There was very clear baby's bottom. This disappointment reminded me to stick with vintages Anyway, I fixed the baby's bottom and it is a wonderfully smooth and wet writer now. This is the only modern pen that will remain in my collection for the foreseeable future - the other moderns that I shared in previous posts have all been sold to make room for more vintages. The Heritage 1912 is special to me only because it is retro-styled and pays homage to the beautiful vintage safeties made a century ago. Pics below:

 

This concludes the tour of my collection. I have tried to curate the widest possible diversity of fillers, colours, designs, shapes and sizes, that I possibly could while being constrained by a modest budget. Over the years, I would like to be able to extend the breadth of the collection a little. But I wish to do it at a much slower rate than I have put the current collection together (two years). Here are some additions that I am actively seeking out:

• an alloy nib, most likely on a wartime 13x

• MOG glass nib

• grey striated 14x

• larger sized safety with the silver snake clip

• something from the 10x series (safety Meisterstuck).

• 12x PL

• 129

• Danish #25 in green or brown with facets

• MB 256

• 3xx with high cap top

• Spanish 23x with the red or green diagonal criss cross stripes.

I’m in no hurry though, And I hope I am patient enough to take my time with acquiring this list!! I have learned that valuable pens warrant physical inspection first, and so pen shows might be the ideal way ahead for me. Wish me luck!

 

I promise to keep updating this thread every time a significant addition is made Thank you!

Edited January 5, 2019 by siamackz

[Tom Kellie]

~ siamackz:

 

You've already spoiled us with such a splendid collection.

Thank you for showing the safeties as a conclusion to your collection.

Your example is inspiring, both as to the image quality and as to the lucid explanations.

May 2019 bring you much writing pleasure!

Tom K.

[siamackz]

~ siamackz:

 

 

You've already spoiled us with such a splendid collection.

Thank you for showing the safeties as a conclusion to your collection.

Your example is inspiring, both as to the image quality and as to the lucid explanations.

May 2019 bring you much writing pleasure!

Tom K.

Thanks Tom, and I wish you the same!